Dr Snethemba Helen Ndlovu’s graduation with a PhD in Environmental Science is the pinnacle of a focused, nine-year-long academic journey that began when she enrolled at UKZN in 2016 for her BSc in Environmental Sciences.

Expecting to complete her undergraduate degree in 2018 and move on, Ndlovu registered at UKZN, where she had planned to study throughout high school. Born and raised in Pietermaritzburg, she enjoyed the benefits of studying close to home and appreciated the culture and spirit she encountered on campus.

“There’s a unique openness here; you feel it in the lectures, in the campus interactions, and even in the graduations, which are truly like no other in the country,” said Ndlovu. “There’s a real sense of belonging and pride, and that’s something I’ve carried with me throughout my academic journey.”

Ndlovu’s father’s knowledge of indigenous plants which he shared with her in her youth – such as how storm lilies signal rain and invasive species like the purple heart affect ecosystems – instilled a deep respect for nature. Her geography teacher at Raisethorpe High School in Pietermaritzburg, Mrs Vasantha Pillay, inspired her love of understanding and managing the natural environment, making Environmental Sciences Ndlovu’s first choice subject.

Building on the knowledge gained during her master’s studies, Ndlovu focused on using unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) remotely-sensed data and deep learning modelling to monitor and understand crop water stress, focusing on taro (amadumbe), a neglected and underutilised crop species.

She integrated drone-based thermal and multispectral imaging with in-situ physiological data to evaluate the spatio-temporal variability of crop water status in smallholder taro across critical growth stages. Through her study, she developed and validated ultra-high-resolution machine learning models to predict crop water status indicators, such as leaf temperature and stomatal conductance, over space and time.

Ndlovu’s research addresses the critical challenges of climate change impacts on agriculture and the urgent need to use water more efficiently in smallholder farming systems. Improving the monitoring and prediction of crop water status supports resilient farming practices, early stress detection and better water management. This work also demonstrates the potential of modern, cutting-edge technologies to transform smallholder farming into robust, productive, and climate-resilient systems.

Ndlovu uncovered the potential of developing a digital decision-support tool based on her research, translating the science into a practical, near-real-time solution for smallholder farmers. This tool could give farmers timely information on crop stress and water use, to inform decision-making and build resilience against climate change.

Managing the demands of adult life alongside studies was difficult, and health challenges during Ndlovu’s PhD affected her physical and mental wellbeing. She quickly learned the importance of maintaining balance by setting clear priorities and managing her time well, asking for help when needed, and being disciplined even amidst overwhelming circumstances.

“I always reminded myself that the pain of discipline is better than the pain of regret,” said Ndlovu, whose strong sense of purpose saw her through.

“The present moment is the opportunity, and it’s mine to seize,” she said.

Complementing her PhD research, Ndlovu served as a First-Year Experience (FYE) Coordinator for the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, helping first-time students transition from high school into university life. She focused on supporting young science students navigating academic challenges, social integration, and personal well-being.

She also worked as an ad-hoc lecturer for third-year and honours-level students in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing at the Howard College campus, solidifying her love of teaching and mentoring. Her research strengthened her scientific expertise and analytical skills, FYE built her leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, and lecturing honed her ability to convey complex ideas and inspire students, imparting a unique combination of technical and soft skills invaluable for Ndlovu’s next adventures in research, academia, or broader industry.

She aims to craft a career in academia, pursuing research in environmental and geospatial sciences and hopes to contribute to projects that generate impactful, data-driven solutions for environmental challenges, and research that translates scientific knowledge into actionable societal and ecosystem solutions.

Ndlovu thanked her supervisors, Professor John Odindi, Professor Onisimo Mutanga and Dr Mbulisi Sibanda for their invaluable guidance and shaping her academic and professional growth. She also thanked her husband, mother, father and sister for their encouragement and support, and acknowledged the National Research Foundation (NRF), the NRF South African Research Chair in Land-Use Planning and Management, the Water Research Commission, and the Wellcome Trust-funded Sustainable and Healthy Food Systems Project for supporting and funding her research.

She also thanked Professor Michael Gebreslasie, Dr Nirisha Haricharan, and Dr Boby Varghese for providing valuable work opportunities during her PhD.

Words: Christine Cuénod

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini